Let’s clear the water—literally and figuratively. From whispered warnings about sharks to confusing advice on wetsuits and cramps, menstruation has long been surrounded by myths in the diving world. But here’s the truth: your period doesn’t have to sideline your underwater adventures.

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or planning your first plunge, this guide dives deep into the facts, dispels outdated fears, and answers the questions no one talks about. Because your cycle shouldn’t dictate your freedom to explore the ocean.

Scuba Diving During Your Period

When it comes to menstruation, there are two types of bleeding that need to be distinguished.

1. Spontaneous bleeding:

Women who don’t use birth control pills may hold more water and feel colder during their period. This can slightly raise the chance of diving problems, especially if they’re tired, overweight, or not drinking enough water. Later in the cycle, mood changes, cravings, or sore breasts can make it harder to focus, which might lead to small mistakes. If a woman feels unwell or uncomfortable, it’s safer not to dive.

2. Bleeding due to taking the contraceptive pill:

The birth control pill increases blood clotting. As a result, there is also a theoretical risk of increased diving accidents.

From a practical point of view:

Diving doesn’t affect a woman’s hormonal cycle. In the case of trying scuba diving during period, it’s safe to take two packs of birth control pills back-to-back—but never stop them early.

Scuba diving during period is fine, but it may need some planning, especially for changing protection during long dives or boat trips without toilets. Menstrual cups work well, and tampons are a simple backup.

How does your period affect scuba diving?

Scuba diving during period is absolutely possible. However, there are a few extra considerations you need to think about compared to diving at any other time.

Menstruation and Decompression Sickness

Some studies say that you will have a high risk of decompression sickness when scuba diving in the two weeks before ovulation—including your period. It is recommended to use apps like Flo as it will help you track and understand your cycle.

Keep this in mind if you want to dive conservatively during your period. You should also stick to shallower dives, and change your dive computer to a more conservative setting.

There are two main factors that can contribute to a higher risk of DCS which are dehydration and fatigue, and both can be more common during your period. You just need to be hydrated and well rested, and stay in tune with how you’re feeling.

Feeling Cold

Hormonal shifts during your period can make you feel colder, so consider a thicker suit or warmer gear like a hood and gloves.

Lower Energy

Your energy can drop during your period, so diving and moving around can be harder than usual. Underwater, you should avoid delving into more strenuous dives. This might mean thinking twice about a dive with a long surface swim or one with strong currents.

Some divers who menstruate report finding it more challenging than usual to walk long distances with heavy equipment. To avoid this, consider planning boat dives or shore dives with easier entries and exits.

Period Pains and Scuba Diving

If you suffer from intense menstrual cramps, they will have a negative effect on your ability to carry out tasks as normal. Painful cramps can have a bad effect on your concentration, and this could be a potentially risky situation underwater.

PMS and Diving

PMS and menstruation can shift your mood—irritability, anxiety, and stress may hit harder, even underwater.

Feeling this way might make diving harder or less safe. If it could mess with your focus, think about changing your plans. It is not a necessary thing to cancel a dive, but if you’re a beginner diver, you may want to reconsider dives which require a lot of task loading.

If you do experience mood changes during different times in your cycle, you can have a better understanding of these by noting down PMS symptoms in a period tracking app. This could help you to plan your dives during times in which you’re less likely to be affected by this change in mood.

Buoyancy During Your Period

Menstruation can lead to fluid retention, and some divers who menstruate have reported this having an effect on buoyancy. Don’t be surprised when finding yourself having to adjust your weights by adding a kilo or so while menstruating. Remember to note why you added the extra kilo in your dive log!

Important FAQs

Is it safe to use tampons while scuba diving?

There is no evidence that tampons can cause any harm.

Does scuba diving affect the menstrual cycle?

In general, scuba diving during period does not seem to be a problem as long as normal, vigorous exercise does not increase the symptoms of menstruation.

Are there any benefits to diving on your period?

Menstruation doesn’t always disrupt diving. Many report no issues, and some even find it helps with lighter periods and fewer cramps, similar to how exercise can ease symptoms.

Reports of lighter periods are anecdotal—there’s little research on how menstruation affects divers.

Will I attract sharks underwater when I’m on my period?

It is a common talk that sharks can sense a drop of blood from unbelievable distances? Well, it’s a total myth.

Even the most sensitive sharks can detect a drop of blood in a pool, but in the ocean, period blood is too minimal to matter, they won’t even notice it.

Sharks aren’t drawn to humans, and there’s no proof they target menstruating divers. If that myth were true, divers would use it to attract them!